BlueSky Smoke Modeling Framework development

The BlueSky Smoke Modeling Framework (BlueSky) is a modular system built to house several models and datasets used in the computation of smoke emissions, plume footprints, and surface concentrations for various species. Funding from NASA Roses has allowed further advances in the system, including algorithms to incorporate Earth Observing System's data into the current framework. Modules are being developed to use real-time observations from space-based platforms. The TRMM real-time dataset provides rainfall estimates as far north as the 65th parallel. The TRMM module grabs the rainfall rates and adjusts the dead fuel moistures, which are currently static. In addition, a module for vegetation green-up is underway, using satellite observations to discern the spring leaf-out and fall senescence. Both of these modules will improve consumption modeling within the framework. BlueSky has also been modified to provide emissions from the FLAMBE' and FINN systems. Emissions from these systems are determined from satellite observations of fire radiative power and basic algorithms. Finally, the plume rise module will be modified to include an algorithm developed from Calipso and Miser observations. This algorithm will adjust the modeled output to fit the plume into a probable plume height top and bottom, minimizing the error resulting by placing the plume too high above the surface or too near the ground. Overall these modifications and inclusion of real-time observation data will help provide better predictions for daily prediction tools that use the BlueSky Framework.